MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Strategic reputation management powerhouse has appointed Apaphia Lefatle, an award-winning Public Relations maven, as Senior Account Manager. Apaphia’s extensive experience and deep passion for PR promise to significantly impact her new role, especially as she takes the lead on Decode Communications’ major accounts, such as loveLife and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. Her expertise spans …
South African women are exiting their businesses at a higher rate than they are starting and running businesses indicating they need more support in growing start-ups to the established stage of more than 3.5 years. This is a key finding of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) South Africa Report 2023/2024 by Stellenbosch Business School, launched …
SAPS celebrates its women in blue
This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by celebrating its women in blue, who do not only bring inclusivity and empathy to the table, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect the people of South Africa.
Today, SAPS introduces the nation to Sergeant Silindile Njilo, a crime prevention member attached to the Ntuzuma police station in KwaZulu-Natal.
Njilo and baby “Tholakele” captured the hearts and minds of the nation when a video clip of them trended on social media platforms earlier this year. Loosely translated, the name Tholakele means ‘being found'. The real identity of the toddler is being withheld.
Little did Njilo know how her day shift would unfold when she reported for duty on 05 May 2024 and found an abandoned baby girl at the Client Service Centre (CSC). The baby was brought to the police station during the previous shift by the owner of a local tavern after the biological mother had left the baby at his establishment.
Wasting no time, Njilo went home to get a wash basin and returned back to the police station where she bathed Tholakele, changed her into a new set of clothes and fed her while waiting for social services to arrive.
It was as if the baby instinctively realised that she was safe in the arms of Njilo and a bond immediately formed between them.
Baby Tholakele, a name Njilo gave her, has since been placed at a place of safety. Njilo visits often and says she continues to love and care for Tholakela as if she were one of her own.
Njilo, a devoted wife and mother of two, also says her act of humility that day was merely a reflection of her humble upbringing as she knows how it feels to 'come from nothing'.
Her mother single handedly raised Njilo and her siblings with no steady income. Njilo says she will never forget her late mother's words: "Be a light and take care of those who need help".
She often takes out money from her own pocket to buy basic essentials and food to support poverty-stricken community members.
Joining the Service 14 years ago was a dream come true for Njilo, as she believes there is no greater calling than to be of service to her community.
As a crime prevention member, her duties include dealing with general enquiries and complaints lodged by the public, attend to crime scenes, effecting arrests and detaining suspects as well as carrying out patrol duties.
"I urge our community members to support and stand alongside members of the South African Police Service. Because, together we can achieve more towards a safer country for all," said Njilo.
Nothing short of a heroine, Sergeant Njilo continues to be a shining light in the community she serves. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 10:16
Durban, South Africa – At the heart of Durban’s thriving culinary landscape, Zai Restaurant has emerged as a beacon of excellence, cultural richness, and top-tier dining experiences. Spearheading this success is 25-year-old Akhona Yedwana Ndlovu, one of Durban’s youngest and most dynamic Managing Directors. Akhona is not only revolutionizing the hospitality industry but is also …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is thrilled to announce Dafabet as the official Team Associate Sponsor for the Proteas Men’s...
Johannesburg – Emerging hip-hop sensation James Hadi releases his highly anticipated single “Ebaleni” featuring SAMA award-winning artist Mthunzi. With a unique sound that blends effortlessly, James Hadi brings a fresh perspective to the game, weaving together stories of deep-kasi that resonate with listeners. Stream “Ebaleni” now: (https://youtu.be/0h3qYidd1P0?si=XLDclZ2i_3N98_rC) At its core, “Ebaleni” is a joyful celebration …
The safety of our members is also important, says SAPS spokesperson
When it comes to making a lasting impression at trade shows, the design and effectiveness of your trade show displays play a crucial role. These events are prime opportunities for businesses to showcase their products, connect with potential clients, and strengthen brand recognition. Understanding the different elements of trade show setups can significantly enhance your …
Valuations are a critical aspect of many financial and legal decisions. Whether you are dealing with property, a business, or even a classic car, understanding the valuation process is essential. What Are Valuations? Valuations are assessments of the worth or value of an asset. They are conducted by professionals who consider various factors to …
Tributes continue for Prof Muxe Nkondo
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Prof Blade Nzimande, has expressed his shock and great sadness at the news of the passing away of Professor Muxe Nkondo.
Nkondo, who passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday, has been described as a friend, colleague, and fellow intellectual in the struggle against apartheid and the development of the democratic order in the post-1994 period.
“Prof Nkondo has a special place in the history of both the struggles leading up to the fall of apartheid and the emergence of a democratic order in the early 1990s.
“I remember him as a radical scholar, organic intellectual, activist, and a leading figure amongst the first generation of Vice-Chancellors who led our higher education system through its difficult first decades of transformation,” the Minister’s statement read.
According to Nzimande, Nkondo placed great importance on the recognition of African liberation as a process of not only overcoming the legacies of political disempowerment but one of cultural, social, economic and intellectual emancipation.
“In other words, for him, attainment of formal, political rights must be matched by transformations in all other aspects of human life.”
The Professor was said to be deeply influenced by radical post-independence and liberation thinkers such as Walter Rodney, Franz Fanon, Amilcar Cabral, CLR James and Steve Biko.
“He framed the importance of cultural and intellectual freedom at the centre of his work – an orientation that perhaps explains his lifelong commitment to higher education and intellectual work which spanned a wide range of fronts, from higher education, arts and culture, public administration, rural development civil society and economic development.”
The late academic occupied senior roles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of the North and Vice-Chancellor of Venda University.
He was also a leading figure in the association of historically Black universities and campaigned relentlessly for recognition of their distinctive role and place within the higher education landscape, and redress and equity.
At the University of Venda, according to the department, Nkondo pioneered a vision emphasising the rural development mission of the university, rooted in its social context.
He also promoted a science, technology and innovation agenda of the university that tackled pressing development issues such as water security, food production, sanitation, small business development and cultural production, working closely with local communities.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems
The Professor also served as Chairperson of the technical team and reference group that drafted the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) National Policy for the Department of Science and Technology (DSI).
“It is hard to pigeon-hole the intellectual contribution of Prof Nkondo as he was truly a polymath, whose contributions spanned a stunning range of areas including science and technology, higher education, arts and culture, public administration, human settlements, tourism, and rural development.”
According to the Minister, he was not only an African intellectual focusing on the local and national questions of development in South Africa but was also, par excellence, a pan-African intellectual who worked actively across the continent to advance a new African agenda for the African Union (AU) and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
He was among 500 African scholars invited by the AU in 2004 to Dakar, Senegal, to speak on the role of intellectuals in Africa’s development.
“The Department of Science and Innovation will surely miss his seminal contributions to our understanding of the role of science and technology in the emancipation of South Africa’s most marginalised communities.”
Nzimande stated that his contributions to IKS continue to resonate in the DSI’s White Paper on Science and Innovation and Decadal Plan.
READ | President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Prof Muxe Nkondo
“I wish to join our President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in expressing my heartfelt condolences to the wife of Professor Nkondo, Professor Olga Nyondo and their children and extended family,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:32
Durban rapper Jaey Price has released a new song in 2024, it is his first single this year. The new track was released via new distribution deal with Music Access, Inc platform. The deal is confirmed and the new single is now available online. Jaey Price recently released a new EP album #noproblemz in April. …
Empowering women entrepreneurs: A dynamic business event in Cape Town, featuring top female leaders and invaluable networking opportunities. Founders Foundation, in partnership with Outsourced CFO, will be hosting their much-anticipated annual Women In Business event, set to take place on 29 August 2024. This empowering gathering will be held in the vibrant and picturesque city of Cape …
Outsourced CFO wins Best Global CFO & Accounting Services Provider at the African Excellence Awards, for their commitment to exceptional financial solutions. Outsourced CFO, a leading provider of financial and accounting services, is proud to announce its recognition as the Best Global CFO & Accounting Services Provider 2024 by the Seventh Annual African Excellence Awards. This …
This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by celebrating its women in blue who do not only bring inclusivity and empathy to the table, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect the people of South Africa.
Today, we introduce the nation to Sergeant Silindile Njilo, a crime prevention member attached to the Ntuzuma police station in KwaZulu-Natal.
Njilo and baby “Tholakele” captured the hearts and minds of the nation when a video clip of them trended on social media platforms earlier this year. Loosely translated, the name Tholakele means ‘being found'; the real identity of the toddler is being withheld.
Little did Njilo know how her Day Shift would unfold when she reported for duty on 05 May 2024 and found an abandoned baby girl at the Client Service Centre (CSC). The baby was brought to the police station during the previous shift by the owner of a local tavern after the biological mother had left the baby at his establishment.
Wasting no time, Njilo went home to get a wash basin and returned back to the police station where she bathed Tholakele, changed her into a new set of clothes and fed her while waiting for social work services to arrive. It was as if the baby instinctively realised that she was safe in the arms of Njilo and a bond immediately formed between them.
Baby Tholakele, a name Njilo gave her, has since been placed at a place of safety. Njilo visits often and says she continues to love and care for Tholakela as if she is one of her own.
Njilo, a devote wife and mother of two, also says her act of humility that day was merely a reflection of her humble upbringing as she knows how it feels to 'come from nothing'.
Her mother single handedly raised Njilo and her siblings with no steady income and adds by saying that she will never forget her late mother's words: "Be a light and take care of those who need help". She often takes out money from her own pocket to buy basic essentials and food to support poverty-stricken community members.
Joining the Service 14 years ago, was a dream come true for Njilo as she believes there is no greater calling than to be of service to her community.
As a crime prevention member, her duties include dealing with general enquiries and complaints lodged by the public, attend to crime scenes, effecting arrests and detaining suspects as well as carrying out patrol duties.
"I urge our community members to support and stand alongside members of the South African Police Service. Because, together we can achieve more towards a safer country for all," said Njilo.
Nothing short of a heroine, Sergeant Silindile Njilo continues to be a shining light in the community she serves!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Police Service.
More than 100 attempts over three decades to finally reach Championship Boerewors Top 10 Whilst some were lucky enough to make it on first try, many of the Shoprite and Checkers 2024 Championship Boerewors competition finalists have been refining their recipes for decades, submitting a combined 100+ entries before finally landing their spots in the …
AI is becoming a new member of society according to results from a new Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) survey titled ‘Excitement, Superstition and great Insecurity – How global Consumers engage with the Digital World' (https://apo-opa.co/3WRj99J). The study also found that today artificial intelligence is taking on new roles in fields where it can succeed and be trusted by humans.
Based on statistics from Similarweb (https://apo-opa.co/46WpO7u), ChatGPT, one of the world's most popular chatbots, garnered 153 million visits in the first month after its launch in November 2022, and peaked at 2 billion visits in April 2024. In light of the rapid advancements in AI, Kaspersky has conducted an in-depth study to explore current levels of confidence in AI. The study examines its roles from management positions in the workplace to assisting with significant life decisions.
According to the study, respondents see AI as their team member at work, and a manager – 34% globally believe AI can be a fairer boss than a human being because of its impartiality. For respondents from the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region this statistic is 40%. In South Africa it is 42%.
Another area where AI can play an active role is education. 47% of respondents globally, 60% in the META region and 68% in South Africa foresee children being taught through virtual experience and Metaverses in the near future.
Half (50%) of all consumers globally, 53% in the META region and 64% in South Africa believe that AI has already become an unavoidable part of their lives, with 43%, 46% and 52% respectively having a positive outlook on its potential to bring about many exciting opportunities and improve the future for everyone. A large portion of respondents admit that AI has capabilities in creative areas – 62% globally, 59% in the META region and 53% in South Africa believe AI is a credible producer of works of art.
AI can also be considered a reliable companion and an assistant in everyday life. More than half of respondents (57%) globally, 67% in the META region and 60% in South Africa would like to use AI to run their daily lives more efficiently.
48% of those surveyed globally, 60% in the META region and 56% in South Africa are ready to use an AI chatbot to have conversation online - 31%, 38% and 33% respectively would use it to help them to find the right partner on a dating app. In fact, 48% globally, 58% in the META region and 63% in South Africa believe that human relationships will change because of the impact of AI if virtual characters start replacing real-life partners.
“We are witnessing the growing adoption of AI as a valuable tool, assisting people in diverse areas. Beyond traditional applications, such as processing and analysing data, AI is being entrusted with more intriguing personal roles, including romance, education, and work. As AI technologies continue to evolve, their potential to drive innovation and improve human experiences becomes even more profound. However, this advancement also brings unexpected risks and sophisticated threats, ranging from overreliance — putting too much trust in AI advice — to AI-generated phishing, deepfakes and identity theft. These are the challenges that we need to address across multiple levels,” comments Vladislav Tushkanov, Machine Learning Technology Research Group Manager at Kaspersky.
In order to protect users against AI-driven threats, Kaspersky suggests:
The full Kaspersky report ‘Excitement, Superstition and great Insecurity – How global Consumers engage with the Digital World' is available via this link (https://apo-opa.co/3WRj99J).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
About the survey:
In June 2024, Kaspersky commissioned Arlington Research to conduct an online survey of 10,000 respondents to explore the respondents' attitude towards current digital superstitions, AI role in human's life and topic of digital immortality. The sample included 1,000 respondents from each of the UK, Germany and France, and 500 in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, China, Indonesia, Turkiye, KSA, UAE, and South Africa.
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
South African national record holder Glenrose Xaba is gearing up for her fourth race of the month as she prepares to compete in the highly anticipated Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday, 25 August 2024. Xaba, the reigning SA champion in the 5000m and 10,000m events, has been in exceptional form over the …
Modern air conditioners offer a compelling alternative to traditional gas heaters. As temperatures drop and energy bills rise, households explore affordable ways to stay cosy indoors. While traditional gas heaters have long been a staple, a new heating alternative is gaining momentum – residential air conditioning units. Modern air conditioners can provide efficient and cost-effective …
Gqeberha, 20 August 2024: Meet Lorna Makhumalo Mgoqi, a vibrant and dynamic Facebook influencer born on 13 December 1992, in the drab village of Tsomo, Mthatha. With a warm smile and infectious enthusiasm, Lorna has captured the hearts of thousands online, sharing her passion for beauty, fashion, and entrepreneurship. But, behind the glamour and success, …
JOHANNESBURG: South African cricket fans can get ready to be part of yet another exciting cricket season as tickets for the...
Attorneys and advocate who did “a cut and paste job” for clients ordered to pay the costs from their own pockets
Tugboats position KZN as preferred logistics and transport hub
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli says the introduction of tugboats is not only a boost for the provincial port, but a significant advancement for the province’s economy, particularly within the logistics and maritime sectors.
Ntuli was speaking at the recent christening and naming ceremony of five new tugboats at the Port of Durban, hosted by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Eastern Region.
The ceremony marked a major milestone in the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, a key component of Transnet’s broader Recovery Plan aimed at enhancing shipping efficiencies across South African ports.
The five newly acquired tugboats are set to be injected into the port’s operations, reinforcing the Marine Fleet Renewal Programme’s objectives of increasing marine craft availability and ensuring smoother, more efficient port operations.
This strategic initiative aligns with Transnet’s mission to revitalise its infrastructure and strengthen the country’s logistics network.
Ntuli congratulated the TNPA on this critical acquisition, emphasising the importance of modernising port infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry.
“The introduction of the tugboats is not only a boost for the port, but a significant advancement for the province’s economy, particularly within the logistics and maritime sectors. This initiative positions KwaZulu-Natal as the preferred logistics and transport hub in South Africa.
“Strategic investments, such as the R1 billion allocated to enhancing the Durban Port, are vital to driving economic growth and creating much-needed employment opportunities in our province," Ntuli said.
Ntuli said both the Durban and Richards Bay ports are primed to become preferred gateways for cargo exports, bolstering KwaZulu-Natal’s economic competitiveness, and supporting South Africa’s global trade ambitions.
Journey toward economic recovery on course
Transnet Board Chairperson Andile Sangqu underscored the importance of the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, noting that Transnet’s journey towards economic recovery is firmly on course.
With the advancements in operations and strategic initiatives, particularly through the Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, Sangqu said Transnet is witnessing significant progress in restoring and enhancing the efficiency of South Africa’s port infrastructure.
He said the successful implementation of these initiatives reflects Transnet’s commitment to fulfilling the objectives of the Transnet Recovery Plan.
“This plan is crucial to maintaining South Africa’s competitive edge in the global maritime industry and ensuring the country’s ports operate at world-class standards. The christening of these five tugboats marks a new chapter for the Port of Durban and sets the foundation for further advancements in the province’s maritime capabilities.
“With KwaZulu-Natal’s strategic location and ongoing investments in port infrastructure, the province is well-positioned to become a leader in logistics and transportation, driving economic growth and fostering international trade,” Sangqu said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:50
Government and communities must come together to fight GBV
Active citizenry and the active involvement of communities have an important role to play in fighting the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
This according to Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel, who was speaking during the launch of the Mitchell’s Plain Thuthuzela Care Centre on Monday.
Nel explained that Mitchell’s Plain has South Africa’s highest prevalence of crimes like common assault, drug related crimes, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition attempted murder – breeding a dangerous environment for women.
“This explains the environment within which GBVF is taking place. It also underscores the point… that our Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster, our criminal justice system, has an indispensable role to play.
“But the reality is, there’s a social and economic foundation to these problems, which we are not going to solve without a broader socio-economic transformation of our country, our communities but also the active involvement of each and every citizen,” Nel said.
The Deputy Minister said as communities are being urged to play their role, government is also doing its part in passing new laws and amending legislation that “aims to bring about changes, which are practically implementable and offer meaningful protection to those who need it”.
Those three new laws are:
“This legislation, amongst others, addressed the need to include the particulars of all sex offenders and not only sex offenders against children and persons who are mentally disabled. It also expanded the list of persons who are to be protected to include other vulnerable persons.
“It also increases the period for which a sex offender’s particulars must remain on the register before it can be removed. It also creates a reporting duty that any person who has knowledge, reasonable belief or suspects that a sexual offence is being committed against a person who’s vulnerable must report…immediately to a police official.
“The Domestic Violence Amendment Act… has also been amended to address practical challenges, gaps and anomalies which have been in the Act since 1999. The amended legislation has included new definitions [of abuse] such as controlling behaviour and coercive behaviour,” he said.
Nel said government is also working to ensure that the number of TCCs – which provide crucial medical and psychosocial support to victims – is increased throughout the country.
“That’s why we must endeavour to increase the number of TCCs as quickly as possible. The new Mitchell’s Plain TCC will increase the national footprint to 65 across the country. This is the tenth TCC in the Western Cape.
“There are a number of TCCs that are ready to open and start operations but they need input from other departments and we commit ourselves to facilitate that engagement,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 08/19/2024 - 14:10